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Cruel Sanctuary: An Enemies to Lovers, Dark Mafia Billionaire Romance (Wages of Sin Book 1) Kindle Edition

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 553 ratings

He is the monarch of Manhattan. She is a political princess.
This is enemies-to-lovers romance at its most ruthless.

They say New York City is the Devil’s Playground.
They’re wrong.
This city belongs to me.
And so does Aislinn Granville.

She is a pampered politician’s daughter.
A decorative ornament, raised to smile and nod and do what she’s told.
Except… she doesn’t. Not with me. Ever.

In this city full of thugs and thieves, I’ve kept Aislinn safe.
From my enemies.
From me.

Until now.

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From the Publisher

New York City
isn't the Devil's Playground
It's mine.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This story is brilliantly told, the writing was exceptional. I absolutely adore a story where you love the hero, love the heroine, and LOVE the couple." Jenny, Steamy Reads Blog

"I've read my fair share of anti-hero romance books but this book just takes the crown." Jemima, Sentranced Jem

"Lies, secrets, political agendas and betrayals, and murder, all wrapped up in one sinful page turner of a read." Lana, Dirty Girl Romance

"Tara Leigh created a savage playground for dark and tainted souls." Na Bookaddict Dine

"The beautiful words may lull you into believing this is a sweet romance but the darkness quickly overpowers the poetic nature of the story." Jezebel Girl & Friends

"Lots of action in this captivating storyline, along with fantastic lead characters and secondary ones as well. By the way the sex scenes are off the charts #justsaying." Yamina, Women Who Stare at Books

"A delightfully tangled web... Every first read of an author should be this intense. This complicated." This entertaining. Nerdy Dirty & Flirty

"I love a great anti-hero and this man...this unbelievably ruthless, cocky man...is the ultimate!" Obsessive Book Whore

"If you enjoy dark reads that are on the light side of dark grab this book!" Nadine Bookaholic

"HIGHLY recommended...like seriously, RUN and grab up this first book in the most thrilling and dangerous and most seductive duet yet!" Marie's Tempting Reads

"Tara Leigh is f*cking rockstar. She is an auto buy for me and life stops when her books hit my Kindle." Nikki

"Cruel Sanctuary took over my life I couldn't put it down." Jackie, Goodreads Reviewer

"What did I just read? This story had me sucked in and turning the pages faster and faster just wanting to see what was going to happen next." Read.Review.Repeat Blog

"A wickedly sexy romance with an unpredictable and engrossing plot." Mary, Frolic

"You don't want to go one more day without reading this book." Carol, Goodreads Addict

"If you love a bit of mystery, suspense, alpha male, corrupt men, feisty females, secrets, lies & murder- this book for you." Paulette, Goodreads Reviewer

"It had everything I LOVE in a romance book, and none of the cliché crap I hate." Eve, Between The Bookends

"This was a fantastic read, from page one till the end!" Pavlina, Read More Sleep Less Blog

"Deliciously dark, seductively sexy, and passionately poignant, this riveting roller coaster of a romance hits all the feels. You'll be left begging for mercy and screaming for more!" Karen, Bookalicious Babes Blog

"A perfect balance of intense grit, corruption, betrayal and violence all merged with a beautiful broken man, and a strong and determined angel willing to clip her wings to be with her devil." Chele, 4 The Love Of Books

"I'm completely captivated by Cruel Sanctuary!" Little Steamy Reads

"Oh. My. God. How do I put into words just how much I LOVED this book?!?!" Brigid, Goodreads reviewer

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07NPFR3DB
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tara Leigh Books (March 22, 2019)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 22, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.8 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 206 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 553 ratings

About the author

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Tara Leigh
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Tara Leigh is a multi-published author of steamy contemporary romance. To keep in touch (and receive behind-the-scenes snippets, prizes, and book news), click here! http://bit.ly/TaraLeighNwsltr.

A former banker on Wall Street, Tara graduated from Washington University and holds an MBA from Columbia Business School, but she much prefers spending her days with fictional boyfriends than analyzing financial spreadsheets. Tara currently lives in Fairfield County, Connecticut with her husband, children, and rescued fur-baby, Pixie.

You can also find her on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaraLeighAuthor/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tara-leigh

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/TaraLeighGR

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taraleighbooks/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TaraLeighBooks

Book + Main: https://bookandmainbites.com/TaraLeigh/bites

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
553 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and well-written. They appreciate the captivating storyline with its mafia plot. The characters are described as strong, independent, and witty. However, opinions differ on the content, with some finding it steamy and perfect, while others feel it takes up too many pages.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

13 customers mention "Readability"13 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They appreciate the characters and find it to be the author's best work to date.

"...Tara Leigh was a brilliant author for me before but she beat all the records with this book! I couldn’t put away this story...." Read more

"Ive been in a book slump lately, so im glad I read this! It was actually really good!..." Read more

"Be warned. Good but a bit slow. I don't appreciate cliffhangers but understand why some authors do this. This is not really a dark romance." Read more

"...Leigh has written so I can honestly say that this is the best book she has written to date! This book is not only sexier but it is darker as well...." Read more

13 customers mention "Story quality"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the story engaging from the start. They appreciate the intrigue and spice from the mafia plot that adds depth to the story. The book keeps readers hooked until the end with its suspenseful and well-written narrative.

"...It’s definitely more intense due to the mafia plot, what adds spice to the whole story...." Read more

"Finally, a book that held my attention from start to finish and broke me out of my reading slump!..." Read more

"It was interesting just long and dragging. The story could have been more of a faster pace. With that said I loved Damon King." Read more

"...I love a good story with an anti-hero you can fall for and that is just what Tara delivers here...." Read more

5 customers mention "Sexiness"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's sexiness and dark tone. They also appreciate the gorgeous covers.

"...Ruthless, bossy, devilishly sexy and his dirty talk makes you lightheaded. The walking wet dream of every red-blooded woman...." Read more

"...Overall, gorgeous covers, and I would recommend, I am currently waiting for the next one to go live!" Read more

"...This book is not only sexier but it is darker as well...." Read more

"...and hand over to each other, not without difficultly of course, is beautiful...." Read more

4 customers mention "Chemistry"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the chemistry between Damon and Aislinn. They find the connection between them undeniable.

"...Chemistry is off the charts, attraction is magnetic and as a reader you support them with all your strenght!..." Read more

"...The connection, the chemistry between Damon and Aislinn was undeniable...." Read more

"I can’t help but love the bad boy in this story. The chemistry is off the charts!..." Read more

"The chemistry is through the roof!..." Read more

3 customers mention "Character development"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the character development. They appreciate the intertwining history and chemistry between the characters.

"...This book is just so perfectly written. The way the characters develop throughout this story, the intertwining history they have and the unfolding..." Read more

"I can’t help but love the bad boy in this story. The chemistry is off the charts!..." Read more

"Great book! Loved the characters!" Read more

3 customers mention "Strength"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the character strong, independent, witty, and compassionate. They describe the book as suspenseful and gritty.

"...Their banter is saturated with sexuality. Aislinn is a strong and independent woman who has good head on her shoulders...." Read more

"...I think I have a girl crush on her. She is strong, independent, witty, sarcastic and compassionate. Together, they set this book on fire!! Gah!..." Read more

"Loved it ,it's dark and gritty and will keep you in a trance at what will happen next from first to last page Ais linn has been around politics..." Read more

3 customers mention "Steamy content"2 positive1 negative

Customers have different views on the steamy content. Some find it enjoyable, while others feel it takes away from the plot development.

"...A great storyline with plenty of heat and intrigue." Read more

"...mins later theyre having hot steamy sex - even their hot, steamy sex is not believable. For every page of good storyline, there are ten pages of sex!..." Read more

"Hot, steamy perfection!..." Read more

Tara Leigh's best book yet!!
5 out of 5 stars
Tara Leigh's best book yet!!
I'm gonna tell you all strait... I've nearly read every book written by Tara Leigh. I think I'm missing the first two rockstar books. However, I know, KNOW beyond a doubt that this is the best book she has given us. If there's an emotion and/or feeling you want in a book, Cruel Sanctuary has it. Miss Leigh is just so descriptive and the way she writes her comparisons seriously build the story up and take Damon and Ainslin's connections to a deeper level.There’s this rushed, suspense-like feeling to this entire book. Surprisingly while feeling the rush of the suspense, Leigh also explains and develops a story with deep characters. All while making the reader feel completely lost in the moment... several dangerous moments. I feel like this in itself is an incredible talent... Leigh tells the story while explaining the background without that information dump. I sure hope you all know what I’m talking about here. Cruel Sanctuary feels like a movie playing in your mind. For me, that is what a good book does... it takes me away to the scenes in my mind happening due to the words on the page.Damon is one dirty man!! The lust and sexual tension was so thick in this book that it was like a wall instead of just a feeling. Damon and Ainslin have this sexy AF push pull happening... I’m right there with them!I loved how layered the storyline is... there is definitely more than one thing happening here. I couldn't help but feel impressed with the grit and glamour of this story. The way the world of politics unravels is eerily relatable. It seems like such a messy topic but Leigh conquers the topic and makes it incredibly realistic.I know I mentioned this earlier in the review but it's such a captivating talent that I want to end with it as well. Leigh's writing is some of the smoothest and most descriptive I have ever read. She is able to set the scene up in incredible detail so you build the story up in your mind. I love how Tara Leigh really went out on a limb here and gave us something a bit darker, so sexy, and added a bit of suspense that made me need to rush through the story from start to finish.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2019
    Without a doubt Cruel Sanctuary is the best book Tara Leigh wrote! It’s definitely more intense due to the mafia plot, what adds spice to the whole story. The hero is the perfect candidate for the next book boyfriend and with the heroine we instantly want to be friends. The story drawed me in from the first page and I didn’t want this book to end! The sexual tension was tangible and I couldn’t wait for the events between the characters to play out. At the very thought I have blush on my face!

    Damon is the type of the dominant character, whose very presence screams 'alpha'. Ruthless, bossy, devilishly sexy and his dirty talk makes you lightheaded. The walking wet dream of every red-blooded woman. I'm completely in love with him! In relation to Aislinn he’s patient and supportive, although at times also repulsive (however, it has its own background). Their banter is saturated with sexuality. Aislinn is a strong and independent woman who has good head on her shoulders. In spite of Damon's position and reputation, she doesn’t allow to walk all over her. Unfortunately, there are many secrets in her life that she has no idea about and that exposes her to danger. These two, despite coming from two different worlds, is the perfect match. Chemistry is off the charts, attraction is magnetic and as a reader you support them with all your strenght! I can’t wait to learn more about this couple.

    Tara Leigh was a brilliant author for me before but she beat all the records with this book! I couldn’t put away this story. Each twist and turn accelerated the beating of my heart and the intimate scenes between the characters raised the pressure. I’m completely captivated by Cruel Sanctuary and I can’t wait for the continuation in Corrupt Savior! I crave more of Damon King!
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2019
    Ive been in a book slump lately, so im glad I read this! It was actually really good! The only thing is, I feel as if there is no need for 2 books really. This one needed a bit more sustenance, and I feel as maybe the author should have just put the 2 books together. Overall, gorgeous covers, and I would recommend, I am currently waiting for the next one to go live!
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2019
    Finally, a book that held my attention from start to finish and broke me out of my reading slump! Cruel Sanctuary is the author's first foray into the world of political corruption, darkness and anti- heroes but it was a helluva beginning!

    Aislinn has been around and in the political world most of her life but she never expected to find her father embroiled in dirty politics and scandal. Now her life is in danger because of his misdeeds and political ambition, and her savior will come in a most unexpected form: Damon King.

    Just his name causes unease as he has a well earned reputation for being cold and ruthless in his pursuit of what he wants. In this case, Aislinn is at the top of his most wanted list, and her idiot father and so called boyfriend just served her up to Damon on a silver platter. In his line of work he can't afford to show weakness, but he can certainly entertain himself with a diversion for awhile, right?

    Damon and Aislinn clash in an epic battle of wills from the start but there is an undeniable undercurrent of attraction running through every interaction too. Little by little, Aislinn comes to realize the one man she believes to be her enemy is her only ally and the only person she can trust despite appearances to the contrary. But Damon is still keeping secrets that may just make her re-think her stance when they are revealed.

    The author did a wonderful job weaving a tale of blurred lines with unexpected layers and secrets galore- many of which still remain to be fully fleshed out in the next part of Aislinn and Damon's story. The story closes with moments of panic as the worst case scenario plays out and Damon prepares to shift back into the devil grown men fear. I have a feeling he will be all that more brutal because the woman he has come to love is in the direct line of fire and he will turn that perceived weakness into a source of strength. I can't wait to find out how it all plays out!
    6 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2019
    It was interesting just long and dragging. The story could have been more of a faster pace. With that said I loved Damon King.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2019
    Be warned. Good but a bit slow. I don't appreciate cliffhangers but understand why some authors do this. This is not really a dark romance.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2019
    This is the third time I am trying to post my review....lets hope the third time is the charm.

    Where do I even begin??? I have read and enjoyed every book Tara Leigh has written so I can honestly say that this is the best book she has written to date! This book is not only sexier but it is darker as well. Tara takes us on a journey into the dark world of politics, and I'm not just talking about dirty shenanigans, it is much much more than that.

    Damon King is the king of the underbelly of New York, he has his hand in everything and if you need someone to make the bad go away he is the person you call. Aislinn is the daughter of a politician raised with a silver spoon in her mouth, or so everyone thinks. The chemistry between this bad boy and the good girl is through the roof. I love a good story with an anti-hero you can fall for and that is just what Tara delivers here.

    This little highlight says sooooo much......
    They say memories can’t hurt you, but “they” don’t know sh!@.
    Memories are an avalanche of regret and remorse, held at bay by a flimsy unlocked door, easily opened.

    CRUEL SANCTUARY is the first book in the Wages of Sin duet, I cannot wait until CORRUPT SAVIOR is released in May. If you enjoy Dark reads that are on the light side of dark grab this book!
    Happy Reading!!!

Top reviews from other countries

  • Dorothy Sobota
    5.0 out of 5 stars Deliciously dark
    Reviewed in Canada on March 26, 2019
    Cruel Sanctuary is a dark and addicting read with plenty of suspense, mystery and deliciously hot chemistry between Damon and Aislinn. I fell in love with their story and the book. The cliffhanger ending killed me, I can't wait until the next book.
  • Angela Hayes
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful!
    Reviewed in Australia on June 14, 2019
    5 Stars

    Cruel Sanctuary is the first book in the Wages of Sin Series by Tara Leigh. This is a romantic suspense with plenty of drama, action, mystery, intrigue, and sizzle. It is told from a duel point of view, which gives the reader a great ‘view’ of what’s happening. Ms. Leigh always keeps me captivated with her well woven stories, and this book/duet is no different.
    Aislinn Granville is a political strategist, working for her father who is Manhattan’s District Attorney- with his sights on a higher political career. When a Mexican Drug Cartel target her to use as a pawn against her father, she meets the only man who can keep her safe. But he’s arrogant, controlling, and infuriating- so sparks begin to fly right from the start.
    Damon King has his fingers on the pulse of the city. There is nothing that happens in his city without him knowing. He’s a wealthy tech genius who skirts the law- making his own rules and dealing out his own brand of justice. She may fight him every step of the way, but he’s determined to keep her safe. But there are hidden agendas, double dealings, and power grabs at play which keep the intensity ramped up to high. We discover there is far more to the situation that we first realise. With plenty of action, plenty of danger, plenty of steam, and plenty of twists- this is one story you won’t want to miss!

    Thank you, Ms. Leigh!
  • Anita_booktoread.
    3.0 out of 5 stars 3.5 🌟
    Reviewed in Australia on May 5, 2019
    In truth I’m a little disappointed for the characters I found in this book. I’ve read other books by Tara Leigh and quite enjoyed them but this left me annoyed. The storyline is great and well written, with some nice twists and turns. The ending even has a lot of promise for book 2.
    The Anti-hero, Damon King’s character is perfect, a true, dark and broody Alpha male, reminiscent of a Meghan March Anti-Hero. He has a lot of depth, many secrets waiting to come out, he can kill when needs be and protect the ones he loves.
    It’s the heroine- Aislinn that I have issues with. To me she’s not strong, sassy or independent. She actually has no idea how much is done for her everyday. I found her to be emotional, whiny and annoying. She is the pampered princess but with a terrifying, haunting event in her past. Once you understand this character it makes it a little easier to read and because it’s a cliffhanger I’ll have to read book 2. I just hope Aislinn isn’t quite so whiny.

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